Will the following replacement reaction occur?

Question

MgI2 + Cl2 → ?
A. Yes, it will because the iodine will replace the magnesium
B. Yes, it will because iodine is less reactive than chlorine
C. No, it will not because iodine and chlorine will not bond
D. No, it will not because iodine is less reactive than chlorine

Answer 1

To determine if the replacement reaction between magnesium iodide (\(MgI_2\)) and chlorine gas (\(Cl_2\)) will occur, we need to look at the reactivity of the elements involved.

In this case, chlorine (\(Cl\)) is more reactive than iodine (\(I\)). In a single replacement reaction, a more reactive halogen can replace a less reactive halogen from a compound.

Since chlorine is more reactive than iodine, it can replace iodine in magnesium iodide. The expected reaction is:

\[ MgI_2 + Cl_2 \rightarrow MgCl_2 + I_2 \]

Thus, since a more reactive element (chlorine) can replace a less reactive one (iodine), the reaction will occur.

The correct answer is: B. Yes, it will because iodine is less reactive than chlorine.